Things to Do in Cabo Verde

About Cabo Verde

Ten islands off West Africa, each one different. Cabo Verde mixes African culture with Portuguese colonial history in ways that feel lived-in, not manufactured for tourists. You'll hear morna music drifting through towns with cobblestone streets, watch fishermen fix their nets at dusk, and drink grogue with locals who speak Kriolu. The contrasts hit hard. Fogo has an active volcano with moonlike terrain. Boa Vista offers sand dunes where sea turtles nest at night. Between them, eight other islands with their own terrain and pace. Cape Verdeans call their hospitality "morabeza"—it is a real thing, not a tourism slogan. Strangers don't stay strangers long. The islands sit where Atlantic winds blow steady, which shapes everything from the music to how quickly (or slowly) daily life moves. Sunsets look different here. The air feels different. You'll notice it immediately.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book inter-island flights with Cabo Verde Airlines well in advance, especially during peak season. Ferry services are cheaper but weather-dependent. On islands, rent a 4WD vehicle for mountain roads or use collective taxis (aluguers) which are affordable but follow local schedules.

Money: The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) is the local currency, pegged to the Euro. ATMs are available in main towns but scarce in rural areas. Bring Euros for better exchange rates than USD. Credit cards accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants only.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Bon dia' and embrace the concept of 'morabeza' (hospitality). Dress modestly when visiting local communities. Always ask permission before photographing people. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory. Respect the slower pace of island life.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled water and avoid raw vegetables in local establishments. Fresh seafood is generally safe near coastal areas. Try cachupa (national dish) and local grogue, but start slowly. Street food is usually safe if freshly prepared and crowded with locals.

When to Visit

Cabo Verde enjoys year-round warmth with two distinct seasons. The dry season (November-June) offers perfect conditions with temperatures of 22-28°C, minimal rainfall (under 25mm monthly), and constant trade winds. This is peak season with accommodation prices 40-60% higher, especially December-February when European visitors escape winter. March-May provides the sweet spot of excellent weather with slightly lower prices. The wet season (July-October) brings higher humidity, temperatures of 26-30°C, and sporadic rainfall (50-200mm monthly), though showers are brief and refreshing. This period offers 30-50% savings on accommodations and fewer crowds. Hurricane season (August-October) poses minimal risk but can bring stronger winds. Key festivals include Carnival in February/March (varying by island), Baía das Gatas Music Festival in August on São Vicente, and Santa Maria Festival in September on Sal. Music lovers should visit during festival season despite higher costs. Surfers prefer November-April for consistent swells, while hikers enjoy the cooler, drier months of December-March. Turtle watching on Boa Vista peaks June-October, making wet season visits worthwhile for wildlife ensoiasts.